Uniphyl (Theophylline) 400mg

Theophylline, Elixophyllin/Theochron/Theolair/Pulmophylline/Uniphyl
Description: Phosphodiesterase Enzyme Inhibitor, Nonselective

CSA NA – FDA Approved – REMS (N) – Can Ship                

Theophylline, Elixophyllin/Theochron/Theolair/Pulmophylline/Uniphyl relaxes smooth muscle causing bronchodilation.  Bronchodilation is mediated by inhibition of two isoenzymes, phosphodiesterase (PDE III and, to a lesser extent, PDE IV) while non-bronchodilation effects are mediated through other molecular mechanisms which increase the force of contraction of diaphragmatic muscles through enhancement of calcium uptake through adenosine-mediated channels.

Reversible airflow obstruction, asthma

Before starting make sure your physician is aware of any allergies or medications you currently take.  Theophylline toxicity can occur in patients who have reduced clearance such as in pulmonary edema, heart failure, cor pulmonale, hepatic disease, cirrhosis, hypothyroidism, sepsis, shock, infants, and the elderly.  Theophylline can also exacerbate cardiac arrhythmias, cystic fibrosis, peptic ulcers, and seizures.

Immediate Release: Take 300mg to 600mg every 6 to 8 hours daily.

Extended Release: Take 300mg to 600mg every 12 hours daily.

How to Take Intravenously: Administer the loading dose over 30 minutes; follow with a continuous infusion as appropriate. For patients with cor pulmonale, cardiac decompensation, hepatic impairment, the elderly, or patients taking drugs that reduce theophylline clearance, the maximum infusion rate should not exceed 17 mg/hour unless patient continues to be symptomatic, steady-state serum concentration is <10 mcg/mL, and serum concentrations can be monitored at 24-hour intervals. Do not administer solutions containing dextrose simultaneously through the same administration set as blood, as this may result in pseudoagglutination or hemolysis.

How to Take Orally:  Take with or without food (to maintain a consistent drug level); do not chew or crush tablets; may split tablet if scored. An intact matrix tablet may pass in stool.

The exact incidence of the following side effects has not been recorded in patients using Theophylline: flutter, tachycardia, headache, insomnia, restlessness, seizure, hypercalcemia, nausea, vomiting, aggravation of reflux and ulcers, tremor.

Note this is not a complete list of side effects for Theophylline, Elixophyllin/Theochron/Theolair/ Pulmophylline/Uniphyl only common ones.

1. If my breathing is more labored should I increase the dosage?
   Do not increase the dosage of this medication for short term relief of symptoms.  It does not work that fast and overdosing can be harmful.  Use your rescue inhaler for immediate relief and continue to use this medication as prescribed.